Seven Gem Wineries Near Toronto: Weekend Getaway Guide

Our Toronto Wine Club makes it easy to explore top local wines without leaving the city. But if you feel like venturing, you don't need to go far from Toronto to discover exceptional wine experiences. The Niagara Peninsula often steals the spotlight, but there are several emerging wine regions just a short drive away. You can plan a day trip north of the city, a weekend getaway to Niagara-on-the-Lake, or a scenic drive to Prince Edward County.

Top Vineyards in Ontario's Wine Country: Exploring Wineries Near Toronto

Ontario is a perfect home base for wine lovers. The Niagara region, less than two hours from downtown Toronto, boasts over 100 wineries nestled between Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment. You'll discover Ontario wines offering everything from vineyard tours and tastings to farm-to-table dining experiences that showcase the best of Ontario's wine culture. This unique microclimate produces outstanding Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and the region's famous Icewine. For something different, explore Prince Edward County's limestone-rich peninsula. This cool-climate region excels at crisp whites like Pinot Gris and vibrant sparkling wines, all within a picturesque setting that's becoming increasingly popular among wine enthusiasts.

Look for VQA certification on bottles – this guarantees the wine is made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes and has passed strict quality standards similar to appellation systems in Europe's top wine regions.

Toronto's Premier Wine Destinations

Toronto's wine scene has expanded beyond downtown bars to include exceptional wineries just a short drive from the city. These premier destinations offer everything from vineyard tours to exquisite tastings of Ontario's finest wines.

Leaning Post

Tucked away in Niagara's Winona region, Leaning Post delivers a boutique winery experience that's worth the drive from Toronto. Founded by sommelier Ilya Senchuk and his wife Nadia, this small-batch operation focuses on crafting terroir-driven wines that showcase Ontario's unique growing conditions. Their converted barn tasting room creates an intimate setting where you'll sample extraordinary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that rivals some of the best in the world. Don't miss their limited-production Riesling, which perfectly balances crisp acidity with mineral undertones. The friendly staff provide personalized tastings that make even wine novices feel like connoisseurs, and their vineyard views create the perfect backdrop for an afternoon escape from the city.

Ferox by Fabian Reis

Ferox represents the bold vision of young winemaker Fabian Reis, who's quickly establishing himself as one of Ontario's rising wine stars. Located in Niagara's fertile Beamsville Bench, this innovative winery specializes in low-intervention techniques that let the grapes speak for themselves. The modern tasting room offers stunning views of both the vineyard and Lake Ontario, creating a perfect setting for exploring their portfolio. Their signature Cabernet Franc showcases remarkable depth and complexity with notes of dark berries, tobacco and spice. You'll appreciate the passionate staff who explain the winemaking process in accessible terms, making this an ideal stop for both casual sippers and serious enthusiasts. Their small-lot production means availability is limited – grab a bottle when you visit.

Marynissen Estates Winery

As one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's pioneering wineries, Marynissen Estates brings history and quality together in one charming package. Home to some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Canada, this family-founded estate produces robust reds that highlight the region's potential for creating age-worthy wines. Their cozy tasting room welcomes visitors with rustic elegance, while the sprawling vineyard provides picturesque views throughout the seasons. Their flagship Platinum Series Cabernet Sauvignon delivers rich complexity with notes of black currant, cedar, and subtle oakiness. The winery's convenient location makes it perfect for a day trip from Toronto, and their knowledgeable staff enhance the experience with stories of the region's winemaking heritage. Don't leave without trying their award-winning icewine – a true Canadian specialty.

Kacaba Vineyards

Kacaba Vineyards stands out as a must-visit destination on the Niagara Escarpment, particularly for red wine lovers. This boutique operation focuses on sustainable growing practices to produce exceptional wines that reflect their unique terroir. Their warm, inviting tasting room features panoramic views of the vineyards, creating an ideal setting for exploring their impressive selection. Their Syrah has earned national recognition, offering bold flavors of blackberry, pepper, and subtle smokiness that showcase the winery's commitment to quality. You'll find the staff exceptionally knowledgeable without being pretentious, making this an approachable experience for wine enthusiasts of all levels. Their vineyard picnic areas make Kacaba perfect for a leisurely afternoon, and their regular live music events add another dimension to the winery experience during summer months.

Reif Estate Winery

With a winemaking heritage dating back 13 generations, Reif Estate brings European tradition to Ontario's wine country. This Niagara-on-the-Lake institution boasts some of the region's oldest vines, producing concentrated, complex wines that showcase their distinctive terroir. Their grand tasting room exudes old-world charm, while their expansive estate offers beautiful garden spaces perfect for savoring a glass outdoors. Their signature Vidal Icewine delivers an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity with luscious notes of honey, apricot, and tropical fruits. You'll appreciate the diverse tasting options, from casual samplings to premium reserve flights that demonstrate the winery's impressive range. Their convenient location just 90 minutes from Toronto makes this an accessible destination for a day trip, while their on-site sensory garden adds an educational element to your visit.

Southbrook Vineyards

As Canada's first certified organic and biodynamic winery, Southbrook Vineyards stands at the forefront of sustainable winemaking. Their striking glass pavilion tasting room creates a dramatic first impression, seamlessly blending modern architecture with the surrounding vineyard landscape. Located in Niagara-on-the-Lake, this innovative estate produces exceptional wines while maintaining a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. Their Poetica Chardonnay showcases elegant complexity with notes of apple, pear, and subtle oak, reflecting the winery's meticulous approach. You'll find the staff passionate about explaining their biodynamic practices, making this visit both enjoyable and educational. During warmer months, enjoy wood-fired pizza on their patio while sipping their vegan-friendly wines. The winery's proximity to Toronto makes it perfect for a day trip or the starting point for a longer wine country adventure.

Liebling & Fogolar

This innovative new winery represents the cutting edge of Ontario's evolving wine scene. Located in Prince Edward County, about two hours from Toronto, Liebling & Fogolar embraces minimal intervention winemaking to create expressive, terroir-driven bottles. Their converted barn tasting room creates a rustic-chic atmosphere where you can sample their distinctive portfolio. Their limited-production Pinot Noir showcases the region's potential with bright cherry notes, subtle earthiness, and remarkable texture. The passionate young owners often lead tastings themselves, offering insights into their winemaking philosophy and the county's unique growing conditions. Their small-batch approach means availability is limited, so picking up bottles during your visit is recommended. The scenic drive from Toronto through Ontario's countryside makes reaching this destination part of the experience, with beautiful lake views and charming towns along the route.

Best Wine Tours and Transportation Options From Toronto

Private Niagara Wine Tours

Private tours offer the most personalized wine experience near Toronto. You'll enjoy flexibility in your itinerary and can visit exclusive vineyards that larger groups can't access. Companies like Winery Tours of Niagara provide luxury transportation with knowledgeable guides who'll share insights about the region's terroir and winemaking techniques. These tours typically include tastings at 3-4 premium wineries and often a gourmet lunch at a vineyard restaurant.

Group Wine Tour Options

For a more budget-friendly option, group tours combine transportation with guided tastings. Niagara Fun Tours offers half-day and full-day excursions that depart directly from downtown Toronto. You'll travel in comfortable vehicles with other wine enthusiasts while visiting award-winning wineries throughout the Niagara region. Most group tours include tastings at multiple vineyards, behind-the-scenes production tours, and expert commentary about Ontario's wine industry.

Self-Guided Wine Tours with Transportation

Companies like Winery Guys Tours and Grape Escape Wine Tours provide transportation services that let you create your own winery experience. Their drivers will shuttle you between your chosen vineyards throughout the day, allowing you to set your own pace and preferences. This option works well if you've already researched specific wineries you want to visit or prefer to make last-minute decisions based on recommendations along the way.

Seasonal Events and Festivals at Wineries Near Toronto

Toronto's surrounding wine regions truly come alive during special seasonal events that showcase the best of Ontario winemaking. These celebrations offer more than just tastings—they're immersive experiences that highlight the region's vibrant wine culture throughout the year.

In the spring, many wineries participate in "Blossom Tours" when the vines begin their annual awakening. The Niagara Peninsula hosts several bud break celebrations where you can witness the first signs of the growing season while enjoying specially curated flight tastings.

Summer brings harvest festivals where you can even participate in grape picking at vineyards just north of Toronto. The annual "Taste the County" event in Prince Edward County features over 40 wineries offering limited releases alongside local farm-to-table cuisine.

Fall is perhaps the most spectacular season, with events like the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival featuring over 100 events across the peninsula. Many wineries host special harvest dinners in their vineyards, where you can dine among the changing autumn colors.

Winter showcases the region's famous Icewine Festival, where you'll find ice bars, special tastings, and unique culinary pairings celebrating Ontario's world-renowned ice wines, particularly throughout the Niagara region's participating estates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What wine regions are near Toronto?

Toronto is surrounded by several wine regions. While the Niagara Peninsula is the most famous, emerging areas like Headwaters, Northumberland, Holland Marsh in Newmarket, and vineyards in Stouffville are gaining recognition. Prince Edward County is also notable for its crisp whites and sparkling wines. Each region offers unique tasting experiences within a reasonable drive from the city.

How do I taste wines from multiple Ontario wineries without leaving home?

Join our wine club to discover new wines each month! We work with small, independent wineries across Ontario and beyond to curate monthly wine packs—featuring bottles you won’t find at the LCBO. It’s like a personal tasting tour delivered to your doorstep, complete with pairing tips and tasting notes.

What types of wines are produced in Ontario?

Ontario wineries produce a diverse range of wines including award-winning reds, whites, and sparkling wine varieties. The Niagara region excels in Chardonnay, Riesling, and internationally acclaimed Icewine. Many vineyards also create unique fruit wines. Look for VQA certification, which guarantees the wine is made from 100% Ontario-grown grapes and meets quality standards.

What is special about Niagara's wine region?

Located less than two hours from downtown Toronto, the Niagara Peninsula features over 100 wineries and is Canada's largest wine-producing region. It's internationally recognized for outstanding Chardonnay, Riesling, and Icewine. The unique microclimate created by Lake Ontario and the Niagara Escarpment provides ideal growing conditions. Many vineyards offer stunning views along with award-winning wines.

Can I take a day trip to wine country from Toronto?

Absolutely! Several wine regions are perfect for day trips from Toronto. Many vineyards are just a short drive away. For a fuller experience, the Niagara region can be comfortably visited in a day, though you'll only have time for 3-4 wineries. Transportation services make self-guided tours easy and convenient.

What exactly is Wine Club Canada?

It’s a subscription service that ships Canadian wine straight from the vineyard to your door. You choose your style—mixed, reds, whites, or rosé & sparkling—and we do the rest. Each month is a new experience, designed to help you explore Canada’s wine country without the travel.

When is the best time to visit Ontario wine country?

Each season offers unique experiences. Spring features "Blossom Tours" when vines awaken. Summer brings harvest festivals and "Taste the County" events. Fall hosts the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival with special harvest dinners amid beautiful autumn colors. Winter showcases the renowned Icewine Festival with unique tastings. Peak season is May through October, but winter visits offer a magical experience.